Leveraging location information of a secondary device

ABSTRACT

A technique for managing computerized access includes a first computing device that receives location information from a second computing device that shares its network connection with the first computing device. The first computing device applies the location information received from the second computing device when requesting access to a resource on the network. The first computing device thus effectively leverages the presence of the second computing device and its location information to increase authentication strength and/or to facilitate the administration of access rights.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/786,813, filed Dec. 31, 2018, the contents and teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

It is common for modern computing devices to support multiple network connections. For example, a laptop computer might support Ethernet, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11x), and/or cellular network connections. If one network connection fails, a user has the option to change networks, e.g., by accessing network settings on the laptop and selecting a different network.

Some devices change network connections automatically. For example, a user of a smartphone might start listening to a podcast at home, where the smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi, but then might decide to continue listening outside. When the user gets out of Wi-Fi range, the smartphone detects the loss of Wi-Fi and switches over to cellular service. With adequate buffering, the transition may appear seamless, and the user may never notice that there has been a connection failure and then a failover from Wi-Fi to cellular service.

SUMMARY

Unfortunately, certain applications do not support seamless transitions when the devices on which they run switch networks. For example, applications like web conferencing, which involve real-time interactivity, may temporarily freeze when network connections change. In some cases, establishing a new connection may require handshaking or other communications, which can extend the durations of outages. Even if outages are only momentary, they can still cause frustration and annoyance and diminish user experience.

In contrast with these conventional approaches, a technique disclosed herein maintains multiple network paths simultaneously, exchanging the same data redundantly through the network paths and allowing a receiver to select one of the network paths as its source of data. In the event that a first, currently-selected network path becomes weak, for example, the receiver can automatically and seamlessly switch its source of data to a second network path, while the first network path remains operational. Given that the second network path is already on and conveying data, the transition is nearly instantaneous. Even highly interactive applications running in environments having network dead zones or interference can remain fully functional with generally no downtime.

In some arrangements, a first device may establish an additional connection to a network by operatively coupling to a second device. For example, the first device may connect to Wi-Fi and may also connect, e.g., via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cable, to the second device, which is configured to share its network connection with the first device. The first device is then able to use both its own Wi-Fi connection and the shared connection from the second device.

In such arrangements, the first device benefits from the reliability of having an additional network path. We have observed that this arrangement also lends itself to enhanced access control based on location.

Along these lines, an improved technique includes a first device that receives location information from a second device that shares its network connection with the first device. The first device applies the location information received from the second device when requesting access to a resource of a network. Using the improved technique, the first device effectively leverages the presence of the second device and its location information to increase authentication strength and/or to facilitate the administration of access rights.

Certain embodiments are directed to a method that includes receiving, by a first computing device, data from a second computing device, the data being indicative of a location of the second computing device, the second computing device having a connection to a computer network. The method further includes determining, by the first computing device, a location indicator based at least in part on the received data from the second computing device. The method still further includes sending, by the first computing device, a request to access a resource of the computer network, the request including the determined location indicator and accessing, by the first computing device, the resource of the computer network in response to an authorization to access the resource, the authorization granted in response to the request and based at least in part on the determined location indicator, the location indicator received from the second computing device providing an indication of location of the first computing device for enabling access by the first computing device to the resource based at least in part on location.

Other embodiments are directed to a method that includes receiving, by a server, a request from a first computing device over a computer network, the request being to access a resource on the computer network and including a location indicator, the location indicator being based at least in part on data indicative of a location of a second computing device. The method further includes verifying, by the server, that a location indicated by the location indicator is consistent with an authorized location in which to access the resource of the computer network based at least in part on the location indicator of the received request and, in response to the verification of the location, granting, by the server, the first computing device with access to the resource on the computer network.

Other embodiments are directed to a server that includes control circuitry configured to: receive a request from a first computing device over a computer network, the request being to access a resource on the computer network and including a location indicator, the location indicator based at least in part on data indicative of a location of a second computing device. The control circuitry is further configured to verify that a location indicated by the location indicator matches an authorized location in which to access the resource of the computer network based at least in part on the location indicator of the received request and, in response to the verification of the location, grant the first computing device with accessing to the resource on the computer network.

Other embodiments are directed to a device that includes control circuitry configured to obtain location information that indicates a location of a second device, the second device (i) operatively coupled to the client device, (ii) having a connection to a computer network, and (ii) sharing the connection with the client device. The control circuitry is further configured to form a location indicator based at least in part on the location information received from the second device, send an access request, including the location indicator, to a server to access a resource of the computer network, and access the resource based at least in part on a determination that the location indicator is consistent with an authorized location for accessing the resource.

Additional embodiments include any method described above realized as a computerized apparatus, system, or device constructed and arranged to carry out the respective method, as well as a computer program product including a set of non-transitory, computer-readable media having instructions which, when executed by control circuitry, cause the control circuitry to perform the respective method. Further embodiments include any computerized apparatus, system, or device described above realized as a respective method or computer program product. Still further embodiments include any computer program product described above realized as a respective method, device, system, or computerized apparatus.

The foregoing summary is presented for illustrative purposes to assist the reader in readily grasping example features presented herein; however, this summary is not intended to set forth required elements or to limit embodiments hereof in any way. One should appreciate that the above-described features can be combined in any manner that makes technological sense, and that all such combinations are intended to be disclosed herein, regardless of whether such combinations are identified explicitly or not.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example environment in which embodiments of the disclosed technique can be practiced.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example arrangement for downloading a SaaS (Software as a Service) application from a server to a client.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example method for operating a client and/or server in the environment of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4a-4d are simulated screenshots of a graphical user interface (GUI) of a client application component.

FIG. 5 is a simulated screenshot of a GUI of a SaaS workspace application.

FIGS. 6-8 are flowcharts showing example methods conducted by the client device, by the server, and by a system that includes both the client device and the server.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram that shows an example network environment in which various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram that shows a computing device useful for practicing an embodiment of client devices, appliances and/or servers.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example system in which embodiments for performing authentication can be practiced.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example procedure for performing authentication by a first device based at least in part on security data received from a second device.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing another example procedure for performing authentication by a first device based at least in part on security data received from a second device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example method conducted by a client device for participating in authentication.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example method conducted by a server for participating in authentication.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an example system in which embodiments for leveraging location information can be practiced.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing an example procedure for using location information of a second device when making an access request by a first device.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example method conducted by a client device for accessing a resource using locating information of a second device.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example method conducted by a server for providing a first device with access to a resource using location information of a second device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of disclosed techniques will now be described. One should appreciate that such embodiments are provided by way of example to illustrate certain features and principles but are not intended to be limiting.

This document is provided in the following sections to assist the reader:

-   -   Section I presents an example environment and technique for         improving network reliability through the use of multiple,         simultaneous network paths.     -   Section II presents an example technique for using a second         device to improve authentication strength and/or convenience of         authentication requests made by a first device tethered to the         second device.     -   Section III presents an example technique for leveraging         location information of a second device when requesting access         to a resource by a first device.         The techniques disclosed in Sections I, II, and III may be used         together or independently. Although each technique may benefit         from the features of the other, neither technique is required to         be used with the other.

Section I: Example Environment and Technique for Maintaining Multiple, Simultaneous Network Paths

A technique for operating an application maintains multiple, simultaneous network paths, exchanging the same data redundantly through the network paths and enabling a receiver to select one of the network paths as a source of the data.

FIG. 1 shows an example environment 100 in which embodiments of the disclosed technique can be practiced. Here, a client device 110 (“client”) is operatively connected to a server apparatus 120 (“server”) over a network 170, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, and/or some other type of network or combination of networks. The client 110 may be provided as any user-operable computer or device, such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, smart phone, personal data assistant, set-top box, gaming system, or the like. The server 120 may be provided in a similar form, but is typically a server-grade computer that runs in a data center and is available “in the cloud,” meaning on the Internet. In some examples, the server 120 is implemented using multiple computers, as part of a distributed server or server cluster.

The client 110 is connected to the network 170 via multiple paths 180, which may include an Ethernet path 180 a, a Wi-Fi path 180 b, and a cellular data path 180 c, for example. A greater or fewer number of paths 180 may be provided, and the disclosure is not limited to any particular type or types of paths. In an example, the cellular data path 180 c is an LTE (Long-Term Evolution) data path. The client 110 has a display 116, such as a monitor, touch screen, or the like, and the display 116 is configured to render a graphical user interface (GUI) 118, which may be operated by a user 102.

As shown, the client 110 includes one or more communication interfaces 112 c, such as an Ethernet port, a Wi-Fi antenna, a cellular antenna, and/or the like. The client 110 also includes a set of processors 114 c, such as one or more processing chips and/or assemblies, and memory 130 c, which may include both volatile memory, e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory, such as one or more ROMs (Read-Only Memories), disk drives, solid state drives, and the like. The set of processors 114 c and the memory 130 c together form client control circuitry, which is constructed and arranged to carry out various client methods and functions as described herein. Also, the memory 130 c includes a variety of software constructs realized in the form of executable instructions. When the executable instructions are run by the set of processors 114 c, the processor(s) carry out the operations of the software constructs. Although certain software constructs are specifically shown and described, it is understood that the memory 130 c typically includes many other software components, which are not shown, such as an operating system, various applications, processes, and daemons.

The configuration of the server 120 may be similar to that of the client 110, with communication interface(s) 112 s, processor(s) 114 s, and memory 130 s. The processor(s) 114 s and memory 130 s form server control circuitry, which is constructed and arranged to carry out various server methods and functions as described herein. When the executable instructions on the server 120 are run by the processor(s) 114 s, the processor(s) carry out the operations of the software constructs.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the memory 130 c of client 110 “includes,” i.e., realizes by execution of software instructions, a client component 132 c of a software application 132, a micro-VPN (Virtual Private Network) client 134 c, and a link bonding client 140 c. The memory 130 c further includes a TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/Internet protocol) driver 150 c, as well as additional drivers 160, such as Ethernet driver 160 a, Wi-Fi driver 160 b, and cellular data driver 160 c.

Turning now to the server 120, the memory 130 s includes a server component 132 s of the software application 132, a micro-VPN server 134 s, and a link bonding service 140 s. The memory 130 s further includes a TCP/IP driver 150 s, as well as one or more drivers 160 for one or more connection paths 180. In a particular example, the server 120 uses only a single connection path, such as Ethernet, which is accessed via an Ethernet driver 160 d.

In an example, the micro-VPN client 134 c and the link bonding client 140 c are provided as respective software libraries, with each library having its own API (Application Program Interface) for exposing its respective functions. In addition, the micro-VPN client 134 c and the link bonding client 140 c may each be “scoped” to the client component 132 c of the application program 132, meaning that their functionality is limited to communications involving the application program 132 and does not generally extend to other programs running on the client device 110. For example, the micro-VPN client 134 c coordinates with the micro-VPN server 134 s to establish an encrypted channel, such as a network tunnel 134, which is limited to communications over the network 170 between the client component 132 c and the server component 132 s. Rather than the tunnel 134 applying to the entire client device 110 (which is a common arrangement for conventional VPNs), the tunnel 134 can instead be restricted to network traffic of the application program 132 that passes between the client 110 and the server 120. In this arrangement, other network activity conducted by other programs running on the client device 110 may fall outside of the tunnel 134, where such activity is not secured by the tunnel 134. The micro-VPN thus provides the network tunnel 134 for a particular application, rather than for the client machine 110 as a whole. Among other things, this feature enables the micro-VPN, along with the link bonding client 140 c and client application code 132 c, to be provided in a single downloadable package (see FIG. 2), which can be installed on the client device 110, avoiding the need for multiple installation procedures and keeping all the related parts together. In an example, the micro-VPN client 134 c and server 134 s are configured to establish the encrypted channel by performing encryption and decryption of data passed through the tunnel 134. They may also be configured to restrict connections to designated resources on the network 170, e.g., by applying a white list of allowed sites and/or a black list of blocked sites. One should appreciate that the term “channel” as used herein is not limited to any one network path but rather encompasses all communication over all of the network paths 180. The link bonding client 140 c is configured to direct outgoing data (from the client component 132 c) over multiple network paths 180, and to receive incoming data arriving over the network paths 180, selecting one of the network paths as a source of data to be provided to the client component 132 c. In a similar manner, the link bonding server 140 s is configured to direct outgoing data (from the server component 132 s) over the network paths 180, and to receive incoming network data arriving over the same network paths 180, selecting one of the network paths 180 as a source of data to be provided to the server component 132 s. In some examples, the link bonding client 140 c and the link bonding service 140 s operate at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, but this is not required. Although the micro-VPN client component 132 c and link bonding client component 140 c are shown herein as software libraries, they may alternatively be implemented at least in part using hardware and/or firmware. Also, one should appreciate that the micro-VPN client and server and link bonding client and service are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting.

In an example, the application program 132 is a SaaS application. The client component 132 c may be a web browser or other client-side program that runs web pages and/or other content downloaded from the server component 132 s. In an example, the application program 132 is a workspace framework, i.e., a software environment that provides user access to multiple sub-applications from a single interface. Such sub-applications run within the workspace framework, with incoming and outgoing data of those sub-applications passing through the tunnel 134 via the link bonding component 140 c. According to some examples, the tunnel 134 applies to all application traffic to and from the application framework.

In example operation, user 102 of the client device 110 launches the client component 132 c, e.g., by clicking or tapping a shortcut or by navigating in a browser. Based on previously-established associations 114, the client component 132 c connects over the network 170 to the server component 132 s and the tunnel 134 is established by action of the micro-VPN client 134 c and the micro-VPN server 134 s. The link bonding client 140 c and the link bonding service 140 s may then exchange messages 148 through the tunnel 134. The link bonding client 140 c uses the messages 148 as a basis for measuring network performance over the paths 180. For example, sensor 144 measures network speed, e.g., as round-trip delay (using a ping utility), bandwidth, or the like. In an example, sensor 144 separately measures network speed or bandwidth over each of the paths 180 and may repeat its measurements more or less continuously, or at regular intervals, such as once every 50 ms (milliseconds). Although messages 148 are shown as a dotted line that directly connects the link bonding client 140 c and server 140 s, such messages in actuality pass through the network 170, e.g., via client and server-side drivers 160, and through any supporting infrastructure for each path 180 (e.g., cell phone towers, routers, Internet service providers, and so forth). In this manner, sensor 144 obtains real-time measurements of each path 180. In some examples, the sensor 144 identifies a selected path 144 a, i.e., one of the paths 180 that provides the highest speed, bandwidth, consistency, economy, and/or the like, and alerts the link bonding service 140 s on the server 120 of the identity of the selected path 144 a, e.g., in an indicator, sent over the network 170, that identifies the selected path 144 a.

As the user 102 operates the GUI 118 to control the application 132, the client 110 sends application data 162 to the network 170 over all paths 180, at substantially the same time and in parallel. For example, the link bonding client 140 c passes the outgoing application data 162 to the TCP/IP driver 150 c. The TCP/IP driver 150 c uses multi-path routing to forward the application data to the Ethernet driver 160 a, the Wi-Fi driver 160 b, and the cellular data driver 160 c. The client device 110 then sends out the packets 162 a, 162 b, and 162 c via the Ethernet port, the Wi-Fi antenna, and the cell phone antenna. Packets 162 a, 162 b, and 162 c all convey the same data 162 and pass through the network 170 in parallel and at the same time, or nearly so, with any differences among them deriving from differing delays along the paths 180. In an example, all application data 162 sent through all paths passes through the tunnel 134.

At the server 120, packets 162 a, 162 b, and 162 c arrive at driver 160 a and pass to the TCP/IP driver 150 s and then to the link bonding service 140 s. The link bonding service 140 s, having obtained the identity of the selected path 144 a based on the indicator sent from the client device 110, proceeds to discard all packets arriving over all of the other paths. For example, if the Ethernet path 180 a was established as the selected path 144 a, then the link bonding service 140 s would discard all packets 162 b and 162 c, allowing only packets 162 a to pass to the server component 132 s. One should appreciate that the server 120 receives packets 162 via all paths 180, even if the server 120 includes only an Ethernet connection, as the packets 162 originate from different sources and travel through different paths 180 on their way to the server 120.

As shown at the bottom of FIG. 1, a packet 164, which is intended to be representative of all packets, includes a sequence identifier 164 a and a payload 164 b. The sequence identifier 164 a is unique to each packet, but duplicates of the same packet having the same sequence identifier 164 a may be sent over different paths 180. In one example, the link bonding service 140 s discards arriving packets based on matching of sequence identifiers 164 a. For example, the link bonding service 140 s maintains a list of sequence identifiers 164 a of all recently received packets and discards redundant packets having the same sequence identifiers 164 a as those already on the list. The link bonding service 140 s may use other approaches for distinguishing packets. For example, particular port designations or other designators in the packet may identify the path 180 over which the packet was transmitted. In such cases, the link bonding service 140 s may discard packets whose port designations or other designators do not match that of the selected path 144 a.

When the server 120 sends application data 162 to the client device 110, the link bonding service 140 s passes the application data to the TCP/IP driver 150 s and through the Ethernet driver 160 d to the network 170. The server 120 sends the same application data redundantly in packets directed to all paths 180, such that the same packets arrive at the client device 110 via all of the paths 180 in parallel. The server 120 thus sends packets via all paths 180, even though the server 120 may connect to the network 170 using Ethernet only.

Drivers 160 a, 160 b, and 160 c on the client device 110 receive the packets 162 and pass them to the TCP/IP driver 150 c, which passes them to the link bonding client 140 c. A selector 142 in the link bonding client 140 c assigns the selected path 144 a as the source of packets from the server component 132 s. The selector discards packets 162 d from all paths not designated as the selected path 144 a, and passes the packets from the selected path 144 a to the client component 132 c. In an example, the selector 142 identifies packets arriving over the selected path 144 a using the same techniques described above in connection with the server.

In an example, the sensor 144 continuously or repeatedly monitors network speed over the paths 180. If another path performs better than the current selected path 144 a, e.g., in terms of speed, economy, etc., then the link bonding client 140 c may select the better-performing path as a new selected path 144 a and communicate the new selected path 144 a to the link bonding service 140 s. In a particular example, only Wi-Fi and LTE paths are available. The link bonding service 140 s may then select Wi-Fi by default. If Wi-Fi speed falls below a designated threshold 146, the link bonding client 140 c may choose LTE as the new selected path 144 a. In some examples, the link bonding client 140 c only switches to LTE when the current Wi-Fi speed drops below the current LTE speed. If Wi-Fi speed later recovers, the link bonding client 140 c may reassign the selected path 144 a to Wi-Fi. The assignment of selected path 144 a is consequential in that it determines which packets are passed to the client component 132 c and which packets are discarded. It may also determine which packets the link bonding service 140 s on the server 120 passes to the server component 132 s and which packets it discards. In an example, the assignment of the selected path 144 a does not affect outgoing data transmitted by the client 110 or the server 120, however, as transmission is conducted over all paths 180 in parallel, regardless of the current selected path 144 a.

With the arrangement as described, the client device 110 monitors speed of the paths 180 and selects the selected path 144 a at any given time. If Wi-Fi suddenly becomes weak, e.g., because the user 102 has moved into a Wi-Fi dead spot, operation seamlessly and transparently switches to LTE (or to some other path). When the user 102 comes back into an active Wi-Fi area, operation seamlessly and transparently switches back to Wi-Fi. The user 102 need never know that the switching has occurred and typically experiences no disruption in service.

In some examples, the client 110 may save power and/or cost by temporarily shutting down the cellular data connection. For example, if Wi-Fi signal strength and/or speed as measured by sensor 144 are consistently high, the client 110 may temporarily close the LTE connection and proceed with Wi-Fi-only communications. Speed testing by sensor 144 may continue, however, and if Wi-Fi speed or signal strength starts to decline, the client 110 may reestablish the LTE connection. Preferably, the client 110 reconnects via LTE before the Wi-Fi signal becomes unusable, such that switching from Wi-Fi to LTE can proceed seamlessly prior to complete loss of the Wi-Fi signal. In some examples, the GUI 118 includes a control that allows the user 102 to turn off an undesired path. For example, if the user 102 is in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal and does not intend to move during the course of a session, the user 102 might operate the GUI 118 to turn off LTE, thereby reducing power consumption associated with LTE processing and possibly reducing costs, which may be based on minutes used.

One should appreciate that the choice of selected path 144 a may be based on a variety of factors. These may include, for example, speed, bandwidth, round-trip time, variability in network strength, interference (e.g., as measured based on numbers of dropped packets), and cost. Such factors may be combined in any suitable way, such as using combinatorial logic, weighted sums, fuzzy logic, machine learning, neural nets, and the like. Although the selected path 144 a may be the fastest path in many cases, this is not required. For example, a slower path that is still fast enough to provide good user experience might be chosen as the selected path 144 a if it is inexpensive to use and/or has other advantages.

Although a main operating mode of embodiments hereof is to keep multiple network paths active at the same time, such embodiments are not required to work this way all the time. For example, if a network path, such as Wi-Fi, is found to provide a consistently strong signal and is free to use, Wi-Fi may be chosen as the selected path 144 a and operation over other network paths may be shut down. In a like manner, network paths that require high power consumption may be shut down temporarily to conserve battery life of the client device 110. Any paths 180 that have been shut down may be revived if the sensor 144 detects a drop in performance of the selected path 144 a.

Further, although a single selected path 144 a has been described, some embodiments allow for multiple selected paths, such as one for download to the client device 110 and another for download to the server 120. Accordingly, the selector 142 in the client device 110 chooses the selected path for the client device, whereas a similar selector (not shown) in the server 120 chooses the selected path for the server 120. Allowing selected paths to differ for client and server reflects differences in upload versus download performance, which is common to many types of network paths. In these circumstances, measurements used as a basis for choosing the selected paths may be based on unidirectional delays rather than on round-trip delays. According to some variants, a separate computer or other facility may monitor network speed or bandwidth on behalf of the client device 110 and/or server 120.

FIG. 2 shows an example arrangement for installing an application program on the client device 110. Here, the server 120 stores a downloadable application package 210, which may be provided, for example, as a compressed archive, and which includes code for implementing the client component 132 c, the micro-VPN client 134 c, and the link bonding client 140 c. To install the application program 132, the client device 110 contacts the server 120, e.g., via a website, and downloads the application package 210 to the client device 110 over the network 170. The client device 110 then opens the application package 210, decompresses any compressed contents, and installs the components. As all three components 132 c, 134 c, and 140 c are provided together in a single package 210, the client device 110 is able to install all necessary components for supporting encrypted, multipath operation of the application program 132 via a single download.

FIG. 3 shows an example method 300 for seamlessly and transparently switching between two connection paths, such as Wi-Fi and LTE, based on a quality attribute, which may itself be based on speed, bandwidth, network consistency, and/or cost; i.e., any of the factors described above for choosing the selected path 144 a. Although the method 300 focuses on two connection paths 180, the method 300 may be extended to any number of such paths. Also, although the depicted acts are shown in a particular order, the order may be varied and some acts may be performed simultaneously.

At 310, a communication session is established between the application client 132 c and the application server 132 s, e.g., as a result of the user 102 launching the client component 132 c. In an example, the communication session takes place via the tunnel 134 established between the micro-VPN client 134 c and the micro-VPN server 134 s. A respective network connection is configured via each connection path 180, and all communications between the client component 132 c and the server component 132 s pass through the tunnel 134, for all paths 180. The link bonding client 140 c identifies a currently selected path 144 a and proceeds to pass data (e.g., packets) that arrive via that selected path 144 a to the client component 132 c. Thus, the link bonding client 140 c uses the selected path 144 a as its sole source for all incoming application data 162 and discards data 162 arriving via the other paths. In an example, prior to the sensor 144 making any network measurements, the link bonding service 140 c defaults to Wi-Fi as the initial selected path 144 a, switching to another path only if no Wi-Fi signal is detected.

At 320, the sensor 144 in the link bonding client 140 c measures the connections over all paths 180, e.g., by using ping commands, bandwidth measurements, and/or other approaches, and produces a quality attribute (QA) for each connection path 180. In some examples, the quality attribute is based solely on speed of the respective path. In other examples, the quality attribute is based on any combination of factors, which may include speed, bandwidth, cost, and/or consistency, for example.

At 330, the link bonding client 140 c determines whether the quality attribute of the Wi-Fi path (Connection 1) has fallen below a threshold 146 (Thresh 1). The threshold may be predetermined or dynamically established, for example. The link bonding client 140 c may also determine whether the quality attribute of Wi-Fi is less than that of LTE (Connection 2). The link bonding client 140 c may apply these determinations in the alternative or in any combination.

If the quality attribute of Wi-Fi has fallen below Thresh 1 and/or below that of LTE, then operation proceeds to 340, whereupon the link bonding client 140 c proceeds to process data arriving via LTE, discarding any data arriving via Wi-Fi. The link bonding client 140 c may communicate this change in an attribute sent to the link bonding service 140 s, which may also process arriving data via the LTE path, discarding data arriving via Wi-Fi. Operation then returns to 320, whereupon production of quality attributes and determinations are repeated.

At 330, if the quality attribute for Wi-Fi has not fallen below Thresh 1 and/or below that of LTE, then operation proceeds instead to 350, whereupon the link bonding client 140 c determines whether the quality attribute of the Wi-Fi path (Connection 1) exceeds a second threshold (Thresh 2, which is preferably slightly higher than Thresh 1) and/or exceeds the quality attribute of LTE. If not, operation returns to 320; otherwise, operation proceeds to 360, whereupon the link bonding client 140 c proceeds to process data arriving via Wi-Fi, discarding any data arriving via LTE. As before, the link bonding client 140 c may communicate this change to the link bonding server 140 s, which may also process data arriving via the Wi-Fi path, discarding data arriving via LTE. Operation then returns to 320, where the above-described acts are repeated. Thresh 2 may be predetermined or dynamically established, for example.

Operation may proceed in this fashion indefinitely, as long as the application program 132 continues to run. A rationale for making Thresh 2 slightly higher than Thresh 1 is to prevent operation from chattering between sources when quality attributes are close to Thresh 1. If this is not a concern, then Thresh 2 may simply be set to Thresh 1 (i.e., the same threshold may be used for both). One should appreciate that Thresh 1 and Thresh 2 may be established in any suitable way. For example, Thresh 1 and Thresh 2 may be established dynamically based on user activity and/or the nature of the application 132. For instance, the thresholds may be set to lower values if the application 132 exchanges relatively little data, such that a lower level of network performance does not impair user experience. Conversely, the thresholds may be set to higher values if more bandwidth-intensive applications are being run.

FIGS. 4a-4d show various screenshots 118 a-118 d, which represent portions of the GUI 118 as rendered by the client component 132 s of the application program 132, and as viewed on the display 116 of the client device 110. One may recognize the layout of the depicted GUIs as that of a common smartphone app; however, the GUIs 118 a-118 d are not limited to smartphone applications. For instance, screenshots 118 a-118 d may be displayed on a laptop computer or on any other computing device. The laptop may have a Wi-Fi connection and may be tethered, via Bluetooth, to a smart phone that has an LTE connection (tethering is an ability of many smart phones to share data via a PAN—Personal Area Network).

As shown in FIG. 4a , the GUI 118 a displays icons 410 for currently active connection paths 180. Icons 410 for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth PAN are specifically shown, indicating that the client device 110 is connected to the Internet via both Wi-Fi and LTE (LTE connection is achieved via the Bluetooth-tethered smart phone). The GUI 118 displays a speed indicator 420, which shows network speed (in megabits per second) for both paths (0.6 Mbps for Wi-Fi and 0.1 Mbps for LTE), e.g., as measured by the sensor 144 in the link bonding client 140 c.

FIGS. 4b-4d show additional information, including, in FIG. 4b , statistics 430 for packets recovered (5.9 MB, the number of packets recovered by switching paths) and connections saved (2; the number of times a lost connection was avoided by switching paths). FIG. 4c shows a usage breakdown 440 (how much data from each path has been used), and FIG. 4d shows connection quality 450, in terms of both latency and loss. In some embodiments, FIGS. 4a-4d represents portions of a larger GUI 118.

FIG. 5 shows an example of such embodiments, in which an overall GUI 118 includes the above-described GUI portions 118 a-118 d. For example, user 102 may invoke the GUI portions 118 a-118 d by clicking an arrow 510 on the overall GUI 118. The overall GUI 118 provides a user interface for the application program 132, which in this example is a workspace framework application. The workspace framework application runs as a SaaS application, e.g., in a web browser or other container, and enables the user 102 to select and run any of its registered sub-applications. The registered sub-applications all run within the context of the application program 132, such that they all communicate via the micro-VPN client 134 c and the link bonding client 140 c. The depicted arrangement thus uniquely supports operation of a SaaS application over a micro-VPN using multiple paths 180, which are seamlessly switched to maintain a quality connection, even in the presence of dead spots.

FIGS. 6-8 show example methods 600, 700, and 800 that may be carried out in connection with the environment 100. The method 600 can be performed, for example, by the software constructs described in connection with FIG. 1, which reside in the memory 130 c of the client device 110 and are run by the set of processors 114 c. The method 700 may be performed, for example, by the software constructs that reside in the memory 130 s of the server 120 and are run by the set of processors 114 s. The method 800 may be performed by the software constructs that reside in both the client device 110 and the server 120. The various acts of methods 600, 700, and 800 may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in orders different from those shown, which may include performing some acts simultaneously.

In FIG. 6, the method 600 may be performed by the client device 110. At act 610, the client device 110 monitors a plurality of network paths 180 used by an encrypted channel 134 configured to convey information between the client device 110 and a server 120 for a single application 132.

At 620, the client device 110 receives data 162 of the single application 132 from the server 120 via each of the plurality of network paths 180. The data 162 received from each of the plurality of network paths is the same data.

At 630, the client device 110 selects a first network path 144 a of the plurality of network paths 180 as a source of the data 162 for a client component 132 c on the client device 110. For example, the selector 142 in the link bonding client 140 c passes packets arriving over the selected path 144 a and discards packets arriving over other paths.

At 640, the client device 110 adjusts the source of data for the client component 132 c from the first network path to a second network path of the plurality of network paths based at least in part on the monitoring of the plurality of network paths, 180 so as to prevent delay in reception of data caused by a reduction of network continuity of the first network path.

Turning now to FIG. 7, the method 700 may be performed by the server 120. At 710, the server 120 receives application data from the client device 100 over an encrypted channel 134 provided between the server 120 and the client device 110 for a single application 132. The application data 162 is received via a plurality of network paths 180 in parallel, with the plurality of network paths all conveying the same application data.

At 720, the server assigns a first network path of the plurality of network paths 180 as a source of the application data 162 for a server component 132 s running on the server 120.

At 730, the server 120 adjusts the source of the application data 162 for the server component 132 s from the first network path to a second network path of the plurality of network paths. The adjusting is based at least in part on an indicator received from the client device 110 and acts to prevent delay in reception of data caused by a reduction of network continuity of the first network path.

Turning now to FIG. 8, the method 800 may be performed by both the client device 110 and the server 120. At 810, an encrypted channel 134 is established between the client device 110 and the server 120. The encrypted channel 134 is configured to convey encrypted communications for a single application 132. The encrypted channel 134 may be established under direction of the client device 110, the server 120, or based on coordination between the client device 110 and the server 120.

At 820, a plurality of network paths 180 used by the encrypted channel 134 between the client device 110 and the server 120 are monitored. For example, the client 110, the server 120, and or some separate computer or facility measures network speed, bandwidth, and/or other factors pertaining to each of the plurality of network paths 180.

At 830, the server 120 transmits a set of application data 162 of the single application 132 to the client device 110 over the encrypted channel 134 via each of the plurality of network paths 180. Each of the plurality of network paths 180 conveys the same set of application data 162. When the client device 110 is the one sending the data, the client device 110 transmits a set of application data 162 of the single application 132 to the server 120 over the encrypted channel 134 via each of the plurality of network paths 180, with each of the plurality of network paths 180 conveying the same set of application data 162.

At 840, the client device 110 selects a first network path of the plurality of network paths 180 as a source of application data 162 for the client component 132 c running on the client device 110. When the server 120 is the one receiving the data, the server 120 selects a first network path of the plurality of network paths 180 as a source of application data 162 for the server component 132 s running on the server 120.

At 840, the client device 110 adjusts the source of data from the first network path to a second network path of the plurality of network paths based at least in part on the monitoring of the plurality of network paths, so as to prevent delay in communicating data between the client device and the server caused by a reduction of network continuity of the first path. When the server 120 is receiving the data, the server 120 adjusts the source of data from the first network path to a second network path of the plurality of network paths based at least in part on the monitoring of the plurality of network paths, so as to prevent delay in communicating data between the server and the client device caused by a reduction of network continuity of the first path.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a non-limiting network environment 901 in which various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented includes one or more client machines 902A-902N, one or more remote machines 906A-906N, one or more networks 904, 904′, and one or more appliances 908 installed within the computing environment 901. The client machines 902A-902N communicate with the remote machines 906A-906N via the networks 904, 904′.

In some embodiments, the client machines 902A-902N (which may be similar to client device 110) communicate with the remote machines 906A-906N (which may be similar to server 120) via an intermediary appliance 908. The illustrated appliance 908 is positioned between the networks 904, 904′ and may also be referred to as a network interface or gateway. In some embodiments, the appliance 908 may operate as an application delivery controller (ADC) to provide clients with access to business applications and other data deployed in a datacenter, the cloud, or delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS) across a range of client devices, and/or provide other functionality such as load balancing, etc. In some embodiments, multiple appliances 908 may be used, and the appliance(s) 908 may be deployed as part of the network 904 and/or 904′.

The client machines 902A-902N may be generally referred to as client machines 902, local machines 902, clients 902, client nodes 902, client computers 902, client devices 902, computing devices 902, endpoints 902, or endpoint nodes 902. The remote machines 906A-906N may be generally referred to as servers 906 or a server farm 906. In some embodiments, a client device 902 may have the capacity to function as both a client node seeking access to resources provided by a server 906 and as a server 906 providing access to hosted resources for other client devices 902A-902N. The networks 904, 904′ may be generally referred to as a network 904. The networks 904 may be configured in any combination of wired and wireless networks.

A server 906 may be any server type such as, for example: a file server; an application server; a web server; a proxy server; an appliance; a network appliance; a gateway; an application gateway; a gateway server; a virtualization server; a deployment server; a Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) server; a firewall; a web server; a server executing an active directory; a cloud server; or a server executing an application acceleration program that provides firewall functionality, application functionality, or load balancing functionality.

A server 906 may execute, operate or otherwise provide an application that may be any one of the following: software; a program; executable instructions; a virtual machine; a hypervisor; a web browser; a web-based client; a client-server application; a thin-client computing client; an ActiveX control; a Java applet; software related to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) communications like a soft IP telephone; an application for streaming video and/or audio; an application for facilitating real-time-data communications; a HTTP client; a FTP client; an Oscar client; a Telnet client; or any other set of executable instructions.

In some embodiments, a server 906 may execute a remote presentation services program or other program that uses a thin-client or a remote-display protocol to capture display output generated by an application executing on a server 906 and transmit the application display output to a client device 902.

In yet other embodiments, a server 906 may execute a virtual machine providing, to a user of a client device 902, access to a computing environment. The client device 902 may be a virtual machine. The virtual machine may be managed by, for example, a hypervisor, a virtual machine manager (VMM), or any other hardware virtualization technique within the server 906.

In some embodiments, the network 904 may be: a local-area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); a primary public network 904; and a primary private network 904. Additional embodiments may include a network 904 of mobile telephone networks that use various protocols to communicate among mobile devices. For short range communications within a wireless local-area network (WLAN), the protocols may include 802.11, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication (NFC).

FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of a computing device 900 useful for practicing an embodiment of client devices 902, appliances 908 and/or servers 906. The computing device 900 includes one or more processors 903, volatile memory 922 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory 928, user interface (UI) 923, one or more communications interfaces 918, and a communications bus 950.

The non-volatile memory 928 may include: one or more hard disk drives (HDDs) or other magnetic or optical storage media; one or more solid state drives (SSDs), such as a flash drive or other solid-state storage media; one or more hybrid magnetic and solid-state drives; and/or one or more virtual storage volumes, such as a cloud storage, or a combination of such physical storage volumes and virtual storage volumes or arrays thereof.

The user interface 923 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) 924 (e.g., a touchscreen, a display, etc.) and one or more input/output (I/O) devices 926 (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, one or more speakers, one or more cameras, one or more biometric scanners, one or more environmental sensors, and one or more accelerometers, etc.).

The non-volatile memory 928 stores an operating system 915, one or more applications 916, and data 917 such that, for example, computer instructions of the operating system 915 and/or the applications 916 are executed by processor(s) 903 out of the volatile memory 922. In some embodiments, the volatile memory 922 may include one or more types of RAM and/or a cache memory that may offer a faster response time than a main memory. Data may be entered using an input device of the GUI 924 or received from the I/O device(s) 926. Various elements of the computer 900 may communicate via the communications bus 950.

The illustrated computing device 900 is shown merely as an example client device or server, and may be implemented by any computing or processing environment with any type of machine or set of machines that may have suitable hardware and/or software capable of operating as described herein.

The processor(s) 903 may be implemented by one or more programmable processors to execute one or more executable instructions, such as a computer program, to perform the functions of the system. As used herein, the term “processor” describes circuitry that performs a function, an operation, or a sequence of operations. The function, operation, or sequence of operations may be hard coded into the circuitry or soft coded by way of instructions held in a memory device and executed by the circuitry. A processor may perform the function, operation, or sequence of operations using digital values and/or using analog signals.

In some embodiments, the processor can be embodied in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), graphics processing units (GPUs), microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), multi-core processors, or general-purpose computers with associated memory.

The processor 903 may be analog, digital or mixed-signal. In some embodiments, the processor 903 may be one or more physical processors, or one or more virtual (e.g., remotely located or cloud) processors. A processor including multiple processor cores and/or multiple processors may provide functionality for parallel, simultaneous execution of instructions or for parallel, simultaneous execution of one instruction on more than one piece of data.

The communications interfaces 918 may include one or more interfaces to enable the computing device 100 to access a computer network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), or the Internet through a variety of wired and/or wireless connections, including cellular connections.

In described embodiments, the computing device 900 may execute an application on behalf of a user of a client device. For example, the computing device 900 may execute one or more virtual machines managed by a hypervisor. Each virtual machine may provide an execution session within which applications execute on behalf of a user or a client device, such as a hosted desktop session. The computing device 900 may also execute a terminal services session to provide a hosted desktop environment. The computing device 900 may provide access to a remote computing environment including one or more applications, one or more desktop applications, and one or more desktop sessions in which one or more applications may execute.

A technique has been described for managing communication over a network 170. The technique maintains multiple network paths 180 simultaneously, exchanging the same data 162 redundantly through all network paths 180 and allowing a receiver (e.g., selector 142) to select one of the network paths 180 as its source of data. In the event that a first, currently-selected network path, such as Wi-Fi, becomes weak, the receiver 142 automatically and seamlessly switches its source of data to a second network path, such as LTE, while the first network path remains operational. Given that the second (LTE) network path is already on and is already conveying data, the transition is nearly instantaneous. User experience is greatly improved, as even highly interactive applications running in environments with inconsistent networks can remain fully functional with generally no downtime. Reliability and user experience are thereby enhanced.

The following paragraphs describe example implementations of methods, systems, and computer-readable media in accordance with the present disclosure.

According to some examples, a method includes monitoring, by a client device, a plurality of network paths that convey data between the client device and a server, the data being associated with a single application on the server. The method further includes receiving, by the client device, the data from the server via each of the plurality of network paths, the data received from each of the plurality of network paths being the same. The method still further includes selecting, by the client device, a first network path of the plurality of network paths from which to receive data to enable delivery of the single application on the server to the client device, and adjusting, by the client device, the selected network path from the first network path to a second network path of the plurality of network paths based at least in part on the monitoring of the plurality of network paths, so as to prevent delay in receipt of data from the server caused by a reduction of network continuity of the first network path.

Section II: Authenticating to Secured Resource Via Coupled Devices

A technique for performing authentication by a first device increases authentication strength and/or convenience based at least in part on security data received from a second device that shares its network connection with the first device. The technique described in this section may be provided in the environment of Section I, e.g., in an arrangement in which a device maintains multiple, simultaneous network connections and seamlessly switches between or among them. The Section-I arrangement is not required, however, as the technique presented in this section may be used independently of the one presented in Section I.

FIG. 11 shows an example system 1100 in which embodiments of the disclosed technique can be practiced. Here, a first (client) device 110, a second (coupling) device 1110, and a server 120 operatively connect to a network 170. The first device 110, server 120, and network 170 may be similar to those described in connection with FIG. 1, though this is not required. Also, the first device 110 and the second device 1110 may be owned and operated by the same person or entity, although this is also not required.

The first device 110 connects to the network 170 via a first network path 180-1, and the second device 1110 connects to the network 170 via a second network path 180-2. For example, the first network path 180-1 may be Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11X) and the second network path 180-2 may be cellular data, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), GSM (Global System for Mobile), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), or WiMAX. The second network path 180-2 may also be 5G or some other developing or future cellular scheme. The first device 110 may be a laptop, tablet, or other computer, and the second device 1110 may be a smartphone, tablet, dongle, personal reader, or other device having a cellular data interface. Although devices 110 and 1110 are both shown as having a single path 180-1 or 180-2 to the network 170, one should appreciate that each device may have multiple paths to the network 170. For example, the first device 110 may have an Ethernet and/or cellular interface in addition to Wi-Fi, and the second device 1110 may have an Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi interface in addition to cellular. The network 170 may be provided as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, the Internet, and/or some other type of network or combination of networks. In a particular example, the network 170 includes the Internet, and the server 120 is a provider of cloud-based and/or virtual services, such as SaaS (Software as a Service) applications and/or file storage. In an example, the first device 110 and the second device 1110 are both registered with the server 120. For example, the devices have a code or other data element that uniquely identifies the respective devices to the server 120.

In the manner shown, the first device 110 is configured to access the second network path 180-2 via the second device 1110, for example by tethering or otherwise communicatively coupling the devices. “Tethering” describes the sharing of a mobile device's network connection with other computers. By communicatively coupling to the second device 1110, the first device 110 is able to maintain multiple, simultaneous connection paths to the network 170, and thus to the server 120. If connection path 180-1 becomes weak, the client device 110 may seamlessly and transparently switch to connection path 180-2, or vice-versa, with little or no disruption. Coupling of the first device 110 by the second device 1110 may be achieved over a connection medium 1112, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB (Universal Serial Bus), or some other protocol or type of cable.

In example operation, the user 102 configures the second device 1110 to share (e.g., tether) its network path 180-2 with the first device 110. For example, if the second device 1110 runs Apple iOS, the user 102 may go into Settings on the second device 1110, select Cellular settings, and operate the controls to set up a Personal Hotspot. The second device 1110 may then give the user a choice to connect to the first computer 110 using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. Similar procedures are available on devices running Android OS, Chrome OS, Windows Phone, and other mobile operating systems.

With the second device 1110 configured to share the second network path 180-2, the first device 110 discovers and connects to the second network path 180-2, such that the first device 110 can access the network 170 via both the first network path 180-1 and the second network path 180-2.

In some examples, upon discovering the second network path 180-2, the first device 110 initiates a handshaking protocol with the second device 1110 to obtain security data 1114 from a security agent 1118 on the second device 1110. The security data 1114 may take various forms, such as a security token, information that identifies the second device 1110, or any other form. During initial handshaking, for example, the first device 110 obtains the security data 1114 and keeps it available for future use. Although handshaking is advantageously performed upon discovering the second network path 180-2, this is merely an example, as handshaking may be performed at any time, including in response to an express request by the user 102.

At some point, the user 102 may wish to operate the first device 110 to access a secured resource 1140 on the server 120, such as a secured SaaS application, a secured file, or some other resource on the server 120 that requires authentication. The secured resource 1140 may be accessible solely by the user 102, or it may be accessible to multiple authenticated users, e.g., based on respective authorization settings. To access the resource, the user 102 may start a browser or client-side application on the first device 110. The browser or client-side application displays an authentication page, which requests authentication factors from the user 102, such as a password, token, biometric input, and/or the like. The user fills out the authentication page and submits the page to the server 120.

In accordance with particular improvements hereof, the security data 1114, which was received from the second device 1110, provides a basis for improving authentication strength and/or convenience when accessing the secured resource 1140. For example, the security data 1114 may include identifying information about the second device 1110, such as a registration code of the second device 1110 (e.g., one previously obtained from the server 120 by the security agent 1118). Based on the received security data, an authentication agent 1116 running on the first device 110 generates an indicator 1114 a and provides the indicator 1114 a as part of an authentication request 1150, which may be submitted to the server 120, e.g., along with one or more other authentication factors 1117, such as a password, biometric input, etc. The indicator 1114 a may be the same as the security data 1114 or otherwise may be based on the security data 1114. In some examples, the indicator 1114 a is hidden, such that the user 102 never sees or handles the indicator 1114 a. Rather, the indicator 1114 a may be included with the authentication request 1150 automatically, e.g., as a hidden authentication factor.

When the first device 110 submits the authentication request 1150 to the server 120, an authentication server 1130 receives the request 1150 and attempts to validate the received information. For example, the authentication server 1130 performs an authentication operation that compares provided authentication factors 1114 a and 1117 with expected values for those factors, producing an authentication result 1160. The result 1160 is successful if the actual and expected values match and unsuccessful if the values do not match. As part of the authentication operation, the authentication server 1130 compares the indicator 1114 a to an expected value thereof and bases the authentication result 1160 at least in part on whether the indicator 1114 a matches its expected value. If authentication succeeds, the authentication server 1130 may allow the first device 110 to access the secured resource 1140. Otherwise, the authentication server 1130 may deny such access or challenge the user 102 to supply additional authentication factors.

Although the authentication server 1130 is considered to be part of the server 120, there is no need for the authentication server 1130 to be located on the same physical computer. Rather, as in Section I, the server 120 may be implemented using any number of physical computers and/or virtual machines, which are collectively referred to herein as “the server.”

In some examples, the security agent 1118 generates the security data 1114 or a portion thereof as a token code and the token code provides an additional authentication factor for the authentication request 1150. For example, the security agent 1118 on the second device 1110 may be synchronized with a third party token provider 1120 a, such as Symantec VIP. The security agent 1118 and token provider 1120 a may each generate token codes from a common seed, such that both are able to generate the same token codes at the same times. The authentication server 130 may validate a token code received in an authentication request 1150 by obtaining a current code from the third party token provider 1120 a and comparing the received code with the current code. In some examples, the authentication server 130 itself runs a local token provider 1120 b, which performs a similar role as the third party token provider 1120 a but runs locally on the server 120.

In the manner described, the first device 110 leverages the second device 1110 to which the first device 110 is coupled to assist with authentication to the secured resource 1140. Thus, not only does the second device 1110 share its network path 180-2 for enhancing reliability, but also it supplies security data 1114 for enhancing authentication.

FIG. 12 shows an example arrangement 1200 in which the presence of the second device 1110 communicatively coupled to the first device 110 serves as an authentication factor for authentication requests 1150. The illustrated activities may involve the first device 110, second device 1110, authentication server 1130, and secured resource 1140.

At 1210, the first device 110 discovers the second network path 180-2 upon becoming communicatively coupled to the second device 1110. For example, the user 102 configures the second device 1110 as a personal hotspot and establishes a connection between the first device 110 and the second device 1110, e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. The first device 110 discovers the second network path 180-2 and establishes a connection to the network 170 through the second path.

At 1220, the first device 110 receives security data 1114 from the second device 1110. In this example, the security data 1114 may include an identifier of the second device 1110, e.g., a registration code or other shared secret created or allocated to uniquely identify the second device 1110 from among other devices. For example, the server 120 may have previously created the registration code specifically for the second device 1110 as part of a registration process for registering the second device 1110 to the server 120. The registration code identifies the second device 110 as a known device, to which the server 120 may accord some level of trust.

At 1230, the first device 110 generates an indicator 1114 a from the security data 1114. The indicator 1114 a may be identical to the security data 1114 or may be otherwise based on the security data 1114. For example, the indicator 1114 a may be provided as an encrypted version of the registration code or as a result of running an algorithm on the registration code. In some examples, the indicator 1114 a includes additional information, such as a code that specifies that the first device 110 is currently tethered or otherwise communicatively coupled to the second device 1110.

At 1240, the first device sends an authentication request 1150 to the authentication server 1130. The authentication request 1150 includes the indicator 1114 a, which may be provided as a hidden authentication factor. In some examples, the authentication request 1150 also includes one or more additional authentication factors 1117, such as a password, a thumbprint, or the like. The first device 110 may add these additional authentication factors 1117 to the authentication request 1150.

At 1250, the authentication server 1130 receives the authentication request 1150 and performs an authentication operation 1252. In an example, the authentication operation 1252 verifies the received authentication factors (or some subset thereof) and produces a successful result or an unsuccessful result. In response to generating a successful result, the authentication operation 1252 may generate a passcode 1254, which acts as a key for unlocking the secured resource 1140. One should appreciate that the authentication request 1150 typically specifies multiple authentication factors (e.g., 1114 a and 1117), of which only a subset 1114 a are normally provided by the second device 1110. Thus, a malicious user would normally be unable to successfully authenticate by stealing an authorized user's phone (or other device) and trying to log on, as the malicious user would be unable to enter other factors 1117 that are required for authentication to succeed.

At 1260, the authentication server 1130 returns the passcode 1254 to the first device 110, e.g., as part of an authentication response 1160.

At 1270, the first device 110 uses the passcode 1254 to access the secured resource 1140, e.g., to run a secured SaaS application or to access a secured file.

The arrangement 1200 thus leverages the previously-established knowledge of the second device 1110 to improve authentication strength and/or convenience of authentication requests 1150 made by the first device 110. In some situations, the indicator 1114 a may be one of multiple silent authentication factors or may be used alone to produce successful authentication, such that the user 102 need not manually enter any authentication factors. In such cases, the user 102 may access the secured resource 1140 merely by requesting such access, without having to do anything extra for purposes of authentication.

FIG. 13 shows an example arrangement 1300 in which the second device 1110 provides a security token automatically to the first device 110 for providing an additional authentication factor. As in FIG. 12, the illustrated arrangement may involve the first device 110, second device 1110, authentication server 1130, and secured resource 1140.

The flow in FIG. 13 may start at 1210, the same way as in FIG. 12, with the first device 110 discovering the second network path 180-2 upon being communicatively coupled to the second device 1110.

Operation differs from that of FIG. 12 at 1310, however, in that the first device 110 requests security data 1114 from the second device 1110. The request may be issued at the direction of the user 102 or may automatically. At 1320, in response to the request at 1310, the second device 1110 generates a new security token 1322, e.g., by operation of the security agent 1118. The new security token 1322 may be a one-time password or other type of token, which is known to a token provider 1120 a or 1120 b or can be computed by a token provider. At 1220, the second device 1110 returns the new token 1322 to the first device 110.

The ensuing activities may be similar to those shown in FIG. 12, with like reference numerals indicating similar acts. Here, however, the authentication operation 1252 may additionally involve contacting the token provider 1120 a or 1120 b to verify the security token 1322.

The arrangement of FIG. 13 thus allows a token code 1322 to be conveyed automatically to the first device 110, without requiring the user 102 to manually transfer the token code 1322 from the second device 1110 to the first device 110. The token code 1322 can thus provide an additional authentication factor without requiring additional manual activity on the part of the user 102. As in FIG. 12, the entire authentication process can be made transparent to the user 102, as it may be performed automatically without user involvement.

Although the activities of FIGS. 12 and 13 are shown as alternatives, they may alternatively be used together. For example, act 1220 of receiving the security data 1114 may return both a token code 1322, as in FIG. 13, and a registration code of the second device 1110 or other shared secret, as in FIG. 12. Both elements may then be included in the indicator 1114 a, which may be sent to the server 120 as part of the authentication request 1150. The disclosed arrangement thus seamlessly provides two authentication factors automatically, e.g., one for the known second device 1110 and another for the token code 1322.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show example methods 1400 and 1500 that may be carried out in connection with the environment 1100. The methods 1400 and 1500 are respectively presented from the client and server perspectives.

In FIG. 14, operation begins at 1410, whereupon the first device 110 receives security data 1114 from the second device 1110. The second device 1110 has a network path 180-2, such as a cellular data path, shared with the first device 110. The first device 110 may have its own network path 180-1, such as Wi-Fi. The security data 1114 may include identity information about the second device 1110, such as a registration code or other shared secret, and/or may include a token code 1322, such as a one-time password.

At 1420, the first device 110 sends a request to the server 120 to access a secured resource 1140 using an indicator 1114 a based on the security data 1114. For example, the secured resource 1140 is a secured SaaS application, a secured file, or some other resource. The indicator 1114 a may be identical to the received security data 1114 or it may be based upon such security data 1114. The request may also include additional authentication factors 1117.

At 1430, the first device 110 accesses the secured resource 1140 in response to successful authentication based at least in part on the identifier 1114 a. For example, successful authentication may result from verification that the second device 1110 coupled to the first device 110 and is known to (e.g., registered with or otherwise trusted by) the server 120, and/or that a token code 1322 provided in an authentication request 1150 matches an expected token code.

Turning now to FIG. 15, operation begins at 1510, whereupon the server 120 receives an authentication request 1150 from the first device 110 for accessing the secured resource 1140. The received authentication request 1140 includes an indicator 1114 a based on security data 1114 obtained from the second device 1110, which shares its network connection to the first device 110. The indicator 1114 a may include, for example, an identifier of the second device 1110, such as a registration code or other shared secret, and/or a one-time password generated by the second device 1110.

At 1520, the server 120, e.g., acting through the authentication server 1130, performs an authentication operation 1252 based at least in part on the received indicator 1114 a. For example, the authentication operation 1252 verifies, based on the registration code, that the second device 1110 is known to the server 120, and/or verifies that the token code 1322 matches an expected value.

At 1530, the server 120 enables the first device 110 to access the secured resource 1140 in response to the authentication operation 1252 producing a successful result. For example, the server 120 may generate a passcode 1254 that the first device 110 may use as a key for accessing the secured resource 1140.

A technique has been described for performing authentication. The technique increases authentication strength and/or convenience by receiving security data 1114 from a second device 1100 that shares its network connection 180-2 with a first device 110. In cases where the first device 110 uses the network connection 180-2 of the second device 1100 to maintain multiple simultaneous network connections 180, the second device 1100 can provide increased authentication strength with little or no additional effort on the part of a user. Rather, in some examples the second device 1100 can transparently add authentication strength to authentication requests 1152 made by the first device 110 with little or no user involvement

Section III: Leveraging Location Information of a Second Device when Requesting Access to a Resource by a First Device

An improved technique for managing computerized access includes a first device that receives location information from a second device that shares its network connection with the first device. The first device applies the location information received from the second device when requesting access to a resource on the network. Using the improved technique, the first device effectively leverages the presence of the second device and its location information to increase authentication strength and/or to facilitate the administration of access rights.

The technique described in this section may be provided in the environment of Section I, e.g., in an arrangement in which a device maintains multiple, simultaneous network connections and seamlessly switches between or among them. In addition, the technique described in this section may be provided with the particular features described in Section II, e.g., wherein a first device leverages the presence of a second device when performing authentication. Neither the Section-I arrangement nor the Section-II arrangement is required, however, as the technique presented in this section may be used independently of those presented in the previous sections.

FIG. 16 shows an example system 1600 in which embodiments of the improved technique can be practiced. Here, a first computing device 110 (client), a second computing device 1110 (coupling), and a server 120 operatively connect to a network 170. The first computing device 110 (or simply, “first device”), server 120, and network 170 may be similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 11, although this is not required. Also, the first device 110 and the second computing device 1110 (“second device”) may be owned and operated by the same person or entity, although this is also not required. The server apparatus 120 as shown in FIG. 16 is seen to include an authorization/authentication (A/A) server 1630, which is configured to support both authentication and access control (e.g., authorization) to system resources. As before, the server 120 may be implemented using any number of physical computer and/or virtual machines, which are referred to collectively herein as “the server.”

Features of FIG. 16 having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 11 may be realized in a similar manner. For example, the first device 110 connects to the network 170 via a first network path 180-1 and the second device 1110 connects to the network 170 via a second network path 180-2. The first network path 180-1 may be Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11X), and the second network path 180-2 may be cellular data, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), GSM (Global System for Mobile), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), or WiMAX. The second network path 180-2 may also be 5G or some other developing or future cellular scheme. The first device 110 may be a laptop, tablet, or other computer, and the second device 1110 may be a smartphone, tablet, dongle (e.g., LTE dongle), personal reader, or other device having a cellular data interface. Although devices 110 and 1110 are both shown as having a single path 180-1 or 180-2 to the network 170, one should appreciate that each device may have multiple paths to the network 170. The network 170 may be provided as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, the Internet, and/or some other type of network or combination of networks. In a particular example, the network 170 includes the Internet, and the server 120 is a provider of cloud-based and/or virtual services, such as SaaS (Software as a Service) applications and/or file storage.

In the manner shown, the first device 110 is configured to access the second network path 180-2 via the second device 1110, for example by tethering or otherwise communicatively coupling the devices. “Tethering” describes the sharing of a mobile device's network connection with other computers. By communicatively coupling to the second device 1110, the first device 110 is able to maintain multiple, simultaneous connection paths to the network 170, and thus to the server 120. If connection path 180-1 becomes weak, for example, the client device 110 may seamlessly and transparently switch to connection path 180-2, or vice-versa, with little or no disruption. Coupling of the first device 110 by the second device 1110 may be achieved over a local connection, such as connection medium 1112, which may be provided as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB (Universal Serial Bus), or some other wireless protocol or type of cable.

As further shown in FIG. 16, the devices 110 and 1110 may provide location information 1610, such as first location information 1610 a of the first device 110 and second location information 1610 b of the second device 1110. The location information 1610 may take a variety of forms, such as GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates, Wi-Fi identifiers, MAC (Media Access Control) addresses, IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, telephone numbers, and the like.

Although not all of this data is normally regarded as location sources, various technologies have evolved to infer location from such data. For instance, Wi-Fi mapping technology associates Wi-Fi hotspots with respective locations, which may be obtained by correlation with GPS coordinates and/or other location sources. Wi-Fi identifiers may include MAC addresses and/or SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers), which uniquely identify hotspots, enabling simple lookups of location based on detected MAC addresses and SSIDs. Location services also track locations based on ISP (Internet Service Provider) data, phone numbers, and/or specially compiled maps. IP addresses provide common sources of location information, as ISPs and associated network components track locations based on network distribution and customer data. A simple on-line search for “what's my IP address?” often reveals ones location to a surprising degree of accuracy. In addition, cellular phone numbers can enable accurate measures of location based on triangulation to cell phone towers. One should thus appreciate that location information may come in a variety of forms, and the instant disclosure is not limited in this regard.

In example operation, a user 102 configures the second device 1110 to share (e.g., tether) its network path 180-2 with the first device 110, e.g., in a manner similar to that described in Section II. Sharing of network connection 180-2 may be established over local connection 1112, which may be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, for example. With the second device 1110 configured to share the second network path 180-2, the first device 110 discovers and connects to the second network path 180-2, such that the first device 110 can access the network 170 via both the first network path 180-1 and the second network path 180-2.

In some examples, upon discovering the second network path 180-2, the first device 110 initiates a handshaking protocol with the second device 1110 to obtain location information 1610 b of the second device 1110. Initial handshaking is not required, however, as the first device 110 may instead request location information 1610 b on demand and/or as needed, e.g., in response to a specific request or operation that uses the location information 1610 b.

For example, the user 102 and/or an application (not shown) running on the first device 110 requests access to a resource of the network 170, such as the secured resource 1140. The secured resource 1140 may be a file, a file system, an application, a virtual machine, or any other resource for which access based on requestor location is desired. Access manager 1608 on the first device 110 begins to prepare an access request 1650. As authentication and/or access rights to the resource 1140 may depend at least in part on location of the requestor, the first device 110 may request (1608 a) location information 1610 b from the second device 1110, which returns (1608 b) the location information 1610 b to the first device 110.

Upon obtaining the location information 1610 b, a location processor 1620 running on the first device 110 forms a location indicator 1622. The location indicator 1622 may be formed in a variety of ways. In one example, location processor 1620 obtains first location information 1610 a of the first device 110 and combines it with the second location information 1610 b from the second device 1110, thereby forming the location indicator 1622, which is based on both the first location information 1610 a and the second location information 1610 b. Alternatively, the location processor 1620 forms the location indicator 1622 based solely on the second location information 1610 b of the second device 1100, i.e., ignoring the location information 1610 a, which is not required in all embodiments and need not be present. In yet another example, the location processor 1620 forms the location indicator 1622 based on three or more sources of location information 1610, such as the first location information 1610 a, the second location information 1610 b, and third location information 1610 c.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the first location information 1610 a may be a Wi-Fi identifier (e.g., a MAC address, or a MAC address plus an SSID) or an IP address. Also, the second location information 1610 b may be GPS coordinates, an IP address, a phone number, or the like. Preferably, the first location information 1610 a, second location information 1610 b, and third location information 1610 c (if provided) are selected from distinct sources, so that the information they provide is not redundant. For example, the first location information is Wi-Fi, the second location information is GPS, and the third location information is an IP address or a phone number. These are merely examples.

According to some examples, the location processor 1620 forms the location indicator 1622 by including the available location information 1610 separately, i.e., with little or no processing or combining. In other examples, the location processor 1620 processes the provided location information 1610 to produce combined location information. In cases where multiple sources of location information 1610 are available, the combined location information generally provides a more accurate measure of location than could any of the individual sources alone.

With the location indicator 1622 thusly formed, the access manager 1608 issues an access request 1650 for accessing the resource 1140. The access request 1650 includes the location indicator 1622, which is based on the available location information 1610. In some examples, the first device 110 sends the access request 1650 to the server 120 over the network path 180-1 (e.g., Wi-Fi). In other examples, the first device 110 sends the access request 1650 over the network path 180-2 (e.g., LTE), via local connection 1112, e.g., if Wi-Fi is unavailable, not working, or otherwise not preferred.

In some examples, the access request 1650 is part of an authentication request (e.g., authentication request 1150 of FIG. 11). In such examples, the location of the requestor may be an explicit authentication factor required to authenticate the user 102 and/or device 110 (e.g., one of the authentication factors 1117). In other examples, the user 102 and/or the device 110 is already authenticated (or authentication is not required), in which case the server 120 may still use the location indicator 1622 for making access control decisions. For instance, the server 120 may allow access to a resource when the originating location is the user's home but deny access when the originating location is a neighborhood coffee shop.

In some examples, the server 120 includes a location manager 1636, which receives and processes the location indicator 1622 arriving in the access request 1650. According to some examples, the location manager 1636 contacts a third-party location service 1632 a, and/or uses a local location service 1632 b, to transform elements of location information 1610 (e.g., 1610 a, 1610 b, 1610 c) into respective geographical coordinates or other indicators of geographical location. For example, location service 1632 a and/or 1632 b transforms any of a MAC address (or a MAC address plus SSID), IP address, phone number, or the like into a corresponding geographical location. The location manager 1636 may combine the resulting locations in any suitable way to produce a representative location 1638 based on the received elements of location information 1610.

The process for generating the representative location 1638 may vary based on the elements of location information 1610 themselves. For example, if the location information 1610 b or 1610 c includes GPS coordinates that remain stable over time (suggesting a strong GPS signal), then the location manager 1636 may simply use the GPS coordinates as the representative location 1638, effectively ignoring other location information. If the GPS coordinates are noisy (indicating a weak GPS signal), the location manager 1636 may instead use Wi-Fi, IP address, and/or phone number. The location manager 1636 may discard location information that appears to be clearly erroneous, preventing it from contributing to the representative location 1638. For example, a location based on IP address might be wholly unreliable for an IP address received from a proxy server. Where multiple elements of location information 1610 are available, some may be disregarded if they disagree with others.

In some examples, determining a representative location 1638 from multiple elements of location information 1610 may involve computing a centroid of the elements (which may exclude those elements found to be clearly erroneous). For example, if two plausibly accurate elements of location information 1610 a and 1610 b imply a location having latitude (LAT) and longitude (LON), the location manager 1636 may compute a centroid as mean latitude and the mean longitude. For example,

$\begin{matrix} {{LAT}_{Centroid} = {\frac{{LAT}_{a} + {LAT}_{b}}{2}\mspace{14mu} {and}}} & {EQ1} \\ {{{LON}_{Centroid} = \frac{{LON}_{a} + {LON}_{b}}{2}},} & {{EQ}\; 2} \end{matrix}$

where the subscripts “a” and “b” correspond to the elements 1610 a and 1610 b, respectively. More generally, for “N” different elements of location information, the location manager 1636 may compute the centroid as follows:

$\begin{matrix} {{LAT}_{Centroid} = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{N}\; {\frac{W_{i}{LAT}_{i}}{N}\mspace{14mu} {and}}}} & {EQ3} \\ {{LON}_{Centroid} = {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{N}\; {\frac{W_{i}{LON}_{i}}{N}.}}} & {{EQ}\; 4} \end{matrix}$

Here, W_(i) is a weight that represents a confidence score of the respective location information. Thus, higher-confidence location information may be given higher weight than lower-confidence location information, with the result tending to bias the centroid toward the more highly-weighted source. The location manager 1636 may then set the representative location 1638 as the centroid coordinates. One should appreciate that centroids may be used primarily in cases where reliable GPS is not available.

Once the representative location 1638 has been established, the location manager 1636 verifies that the representative location 1638 is consistent with an authorized location for accessing the resource 1140. For example, the server 120 may include or otherwise have access to a white list 1634 of authorized locations. To determine whether a representative location 1638 is authorized, the location manager 1636 compares the representative location 1638 with locations on the white list 1634. If the representative location 1638 matches an entry on the white list 1634, e.g., if the locations are the same to within a specified distance threshold, a location match is confirmed. In this case, the server apparatus 120 may return an access response 1660 to the first device 110, and thereby grant access to the resource 1140. For example, the access response 1660 may include a session key, a token, or other data for enabling the first device 110 to access the resource 1140. Alternatively, the access response 1660 may include the resource 1140 itself.

If the representative location 1638 fails to match any entry on the white list 1634, then there is no location match. In this case, the server 120 may issue an access response 1660 that indicates that no location match was found. Access to the resource 1140 may be denied and/or access privileges may be limited, as a consequence of the failed location match.

One should appreciate that above-described methods for establishing a representative location 1638 are merely examples of how multiple elements of location information 1610 may be used together. Such examples are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting.

FIG. 17 shows an example arrangement 1700 in which location information 1610 from the second device 1110 facilitates access control of a secured resource 1140. The illustrated activities involve the first device 110, second device 1110, authentication server 1630, and secured resource 1140.

At 1710, the first device 110 discovers the second network path 180-2 upon becoming communicatively coupled to the second device 1110. For example, the user 102 configures the second device 1110 as a personal hotspot and establishes a connection 1112 between the first device 110 and the second device 1110, e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. The first device 110 discovers the second network path 180-2 and establishes a connection to the network 170 through the second network path 180-2.

At 1712, the first device 110 issues a request 1608 a to the second device 1110 for location information 1610 b of the second device 1110.

At 1714, the second device gathers available sources of location information 1610, (e.g., GPS coordinates, IP address, phone number, etc.).

At 1716, the second device 1110 returns the gathered location information, which includes location information 1610 b (and possibly other location information), to the first device 110.

At 1720, the first device 110 forms a location indicator 1622, which may be based on any location information 1610 returned at 1716, as well as any first location information 1610 a obtained from the first device 110. The location indicator 1622 may directly include the individual elements of location information 1610, or it may provide some combination thereof.

At 1730, the first device sends an access request 1650 to the authentication/authorization (A/A) server 1630. The access request 1650 includes the location indicator 1622. In some examples, the access request 1650 includes additional information, e.g., if the access request 1650 is also an authentication request 1150.

At 1740, the A/A server 1630 receives the access request 1650 and proceeds to establish a representative location 1638 based on the location indicator 1622. In some examples, as described above, establishing the representative location 1638 may involve using received GPS coordinates, if they are available and reliable. In some examples, establishing the representative location 1638 may involve transforming certain received elements of location information 1610 into corresponding geographical locations, e.g., via action of location services 1632 b and/or 1632 c. In some examples, the A/A server 1630 may establish the representative location 1638 by computing a centroid of geographical locations, and the centroid may be weighted based on confidence.

At 1750, the A/A server 1630 determines whether the information in the location indicator 1622 is consistent with an authorized location from which to access the secured resource 1140. For example, the A/A server 1630 checks whether the representative location 1638 matches the location of any entry on the white list 1634, e.g., whether the two locations differ by less than a threshold distance.

At 1760, if the two locations match, the A/A server 1630 returns an access response 1660. The access response 1660 may include a passcode 1762, which grants access to the secured resource 1140. Alternatively, the access response 1660 may include a token, other data, and/or the secure resource 1140 itself (e.g., if the secure resource 1140 is a file or other transferrable element). The first device 110 may then uses the passcode 1762 or other element to access secure resource 1140.

If no location match is found, however, then at 1770 access request 1650 may be denied. In some examples, access may be granted but with limited privileges, such as read/only privileges rather than full control.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show example methods 1800 and 1900 that may be carried out in connection with the system 1700. The methods 1800 and 1900 are respectively presented from the client and server perspectives.

In FIG. 18, operation begins at 1810, whereupon the first device 110 obtains location information 1610 b from the second device 1110. The location information 1610 b may include, for example, GPS coordinates, an IP address, a Wi-Fi identifier, a phone number, and/or the like. In the arrangement of FIG. 18, the first device 110 is communicatively coupled to the second device 1110 and the second device shares its network connection with the first device 110. For example, the second device 1110 may establish a personal hotspot or the like and the first device 110 may be tethered to the second device 1110.

At 1820, the first device 110 forms a location indicator 1622 based on location information 1610. In some examples, such location information 1610 may include only the second location information 1610 b. In other examples, it includes the first location information 1610 a and the second location information 1610 b. In further examples, the location information 1610 includes three or more elements of location information. The first device 110 may form the location indicator 1622 by providing the elements of location information 1610 separately, or by combining them in any suitable fashion.

At 1830, the first device 110 sends an access request 1650 to the server 120. The access request 1650 includes the location identifier 1622 as formed by the first device 110 and requests access to a resource, such as secured resource 1140.

At 1840, the first device 110 is allowed to access the resource 1140 based on the location indicator 1622 being consistent with an authorized location, such as a location listed on a white list 1634. Consistency of location may be established, for example, based on a location derived from the location indicator 1622, such as a representative location 1638, falling within a threshold distance of an entry in the white list 1634.

Turning now to FIG. 19, operation begins at 1910, whereupon the server 120 receives an access request 1650 from the first device 110 for accessing the secured resource 1140. The received access request 1650 includes a location indicator 1622, which is based on location information 1610 b from the second device 1110. The second device 1110 is operatively connected to the first device 110 and shares its network connection with the first device 110.

At 1920, the server 120 optionally transforms certain elements of location information 1610, provided by the location indicator 1622, into corresponding geographical locations. This act may be omitted for any element of location information 1610 that already includes geographical coordinates or the like, such as GPS coordinates.

At 1930, the server 120 generates a representative location 1638 from the location information 1610. In some examples, act 1930 includes generating a centroid of geographical locations, which may be weighted (based on confidence scores) or unweighted. In some examples, act 1930 includes providing any received GPS coordinates as the representative location 1638.

At 1940, the server 120 verifies that the location indicated by the location indicator 1622 (e.g., the representative location 1638) is consistent with an authorized location from which the resource 1140 may be accessed, such as an entry in a white list 1634.

At 1950, assuming a location match is found at 1940, the first device 110 is granted access to the resource 1140, e.g., by providing the resource directly or by providing a passcode, token, or other data that enables the first device 1140 to access the resource. If no location match is found, the access request 1650 may be denied or access may be granted but with reduced privileges.

An improved technique has been described for managing computerized access. The technique includes a first device 110 that receives location information 1610 b from a second device 1110 that shares its network connection 180-2 with the first device 110. The first device 110 applies the location information 1610 b received from the second device 1110 when requesting access to a resource 1140 of a network 170. The first device 110 thus effectively leverages the presence of the second device 1110 and its location information 1610 to increase authentication strength and/or to facilitate the administration of access rights.

The following paragraphs (M1) through (M10) describe examples of methods that may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure:

-   -   (M1) A method has been described that includes receiving, by a         first computing device, data from a second computing device, the         data being indicative of a location of the second computing         device, the second computing device having a connection to a         computer network and determining, by the first computing device,         a location indicator based at least in part on the received data         from the second computing device. The method further includes         sending, by the first computing device, a request to access a         resource of the computer network, the request including the         determined location indicator, and accessing, by the first         computing device, the resource of the computer network in         response to an authorization to access the resource, the         authorization granted in response to the request and based at         least in part on the determined location indicator, the location         indicator received from the second computing device providing an         indication of location of the first computing device for         enabling access by the first computing device to the resource         based at least in part on location.     -   (M2) Another method may be performed as described in paragraph         (M1), wherein the second computing device shares the connection         to the computer network with the first computing device, and         wherein receiving the location information includes obtaining         the location information from the second computing device over a         local connection between the first computing device and the         second computing device.     -   (M3) Another method may be performed as described in paragraph         (M2), and further involves the second computing device being one         of (i) a mobile device or (ii) a cellular dongle, wherein, when         obtaining the location information over the local connection,         the first computing device is tethered to the second computing         device over the local connection using one of (i)         Bluetooth, (ii) Wi-Fi, or (iii) a cable.     -   (M4) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (M1)-(M3), wherein sending the request includes         transmitting the request over the shared connection shared by         the second computing device with the first computing device.     -   (M5) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (M1)-(M3), wherein the first computing device has a         second connection to the computer network separate from the         shared connection, and wherein sending the access request         includes transmitting the access request over the second         connection.     -   (M6) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (M1)-(M5), wherein the location information that         indicates the location of the second computing device is second         location information, wherein the method may further involve         obtaining, by the first computing device, first location         information of the first computing device, and wherein forming         the location indicator is based at least in part on the first         location information and the second location information.     -   (M7) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (M1)-(M6), wherein obtaining the first location         information of the first computing device includes identifying a         Wi-Fi network to which the first computing device belongs.     -   (M8) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (M1)-(M7), wherein obtaining the second location         information of the second computing device includes receiving         GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates of the second         computing device.     -   (M9) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (M1)-(M7), wherein obtaining the second location         information of the second computing device includes identifying         an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the second computing         device.     -   (M10) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (M1)-(M9), wherein the location information that         indicates the location of the second computing device is second         location information, and wherein the method may further involve         obtaining, by the first computing device over the local         connection, third location information that indicates the         location of the second computing device, the third location         information derived from a distinct source from that of the         second location information, wherein forming the location         indicator is based at least in part on the first location         information, the second location information, and the third         location information.

The following paragraphs (MM1) through (MM8) describe further examples of methods that may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure:

-   -   (MM1) A method has been described that includes receiving, by a         server, a request from a first computing device over a computer         network, the request being to access a resource on the computer         network and including a location indicator, the location         indicator being based at least in part on data indicative of a         location of a second computing device. The method further         includes verifying, by the server, that a location indicated by         the location indicator is consistent with an authorized location         in which to access the resource of the computer network based at         least in part on the location indicator of the received request,         and, in response to the verification of the location, granting,         by the server, the first computing device with access to the         resource on the computer network.     -   (MM2) Another method may be performed as described in paragraph         (MM1), wherein the data indicative of the location of the second         device is second location information, wherein the location         indicator is further based at least in part on first location         information of the first computing device, and wherein the         method further involves establishing a representative location         based at least in part on the first location information of the         first computing device and the second location information of         the second computing device, wherein verifying that the location         indicator is consistent with the authorized location includes         confirming that the representative location matches the         authorized location.     -   (MM3) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (MM1) through (MM2), wherein the location indicator         is further based at least in part on third location information         of the second computing device, the third location information         derived from a distinct source from that of the second location         information, wherein producing the representative location         includes combining geographical locations based on at least the         first location information, the second location information, and         the third location information, and wherein confirming that the         representative location matches an authorized location is based         at least in part on the first location information, the second         location information, and the third location information.     -   (MM4) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (MM1) through (MM3), wherein producing the         representative location includes generating a centroid based at         least in part on the first location information and the second         location information, the centroid indicating a geographical         center based at least in part on the first location information         and the second location information.     -   (MM5) Another method may be performed as described in paragraph         (MM4), and may further involve assigning confidence scores to         the first location information and the second location         information and applying the confidence scores as weights when         generating the centroid.     -   (MM6) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (MM1) through (MM5), wherein the data indicative of         the location of the second computing device is second location         information, wherein the location indicator is further based at         least in part on first location information of the first         computing device, the first location information including a         Wi-Fi identifier of a wireless network to which the first         computing device is connected, and wherein the method further         comprises transforming the Wi-Fi identifier into a geographic         location of the first computing device.     -   (MM7) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (MM1) through (MM6), wherein the second location         information includes an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the         second computing device, and wherein the method further         comprises transforming the IP address into a geographic location         of the second computing device.     -   (MM8) Another method may be performed as described in any one of         paragraphs (MM1) through (MM7), wherein the location information         of the second computing device includes GPS (Global Positioning         System) coordinates of the second computing device, and wherein         verifying that the location indicated by the location indicator         is consistent with an authorized location includes confirming         that the GPS coordinates of the second computing device match         GPS coordinates of an authorized location to within a         predetermined distance threshold.

In addition, the following paragraphs (S1) through (S3) describe examples of a server that may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure:

-   -   (S1) A server may include control circuitry configured to:         receive a request from a first computing device over a computer         network, the request being to access a resource on the computer         network and including a location indicator, the location         indicator based at least in part on data indicative of a         location of a second computing device; verify that a location         indicated by the location indicator matches an authorized         location in which to access the resource of the computer network         based at least in part on the location indicator of the received         request; and, in response to the verification of the location,         grant the first computing device with accessing to the resource         on the computer network.     -   (S2) Another server may be provided as described in paragraph         (S1), wherein the data indicative of the location of the second         computing device is second location information, wherein the         location indicator is further based at least in part on first         location information of the first device, and wherein the         control circuitry is further configured to: combine geographical         locations based on at least the first set of location         information and the second set of location information to         produce a representative location based at least in part on the         first set of location information and the second set of location         information; and verify that the representative location matches         an authorized location.     -   (S3) Another server may be provided as described in any one of         paragraphs (S1) or (S2), wherein the control circuitry is         further configured to generate the representative location as a         centroid, the centroid indicating a geographical center formed         by at least the first location information and the second         location information.

In addition, the following paragraph (DD1) describes an example of a device that may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure:

-   -   (DD1) A device includes control circuitry configured to: obtain         location information that indicates a location of a second         device, the second device (i) operatively coupled to the client         device, (ii) having a connection to a computer network,         and (iii) sharing the connection with the client device; form a         location indicator based at least in part on the location         information received from the second device; send an access         request, including the location indicator, to a server to access         a resource of the computer network; and access the resource         based at least in part on a determination that the location         indicator is consistent with an authorized location for         accessing the resource.

Having described certain embodiments, numerous alternative embodiments or variations can be made. For example, although embodiments have been described wherein the A/A server 1630 provides a passcode 1762 that the first device 110 may use for accessing the secured resource 1140, this is merely an example. For instance, other mechanisms may be used to provide secure access to authenticated users, such as SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language).

Further still, although embodiments have been described in which the second device 1110 provides the first device with a second connection to the computer network, e.g., to support multiple redundant network paths, this is also merely an example. Alternatively, the second device 1110 is used to provide location information but does not provide the first device with a second connection to the network.

Further, although embodiments have been described in connection with a user 102, one should appreciate that embodiments are not limited to those that involve a user.

Further, although features have been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments hereof, such features may be included and hereby are included in any of the disclosed embodiments and their variants. Thus, it is understood that features disclosed in connection with any embodiment are included in any other embodiment.

Further still, the improvement or portions thereof may be embodied as a computer program product including one or more non-transient, computer-readable storage media, such as a magnetic disk, magnetic tape, compact disk, DVD, optical disk, flash drive, solid state drive, SD (Secure Digital) chip or device, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and/or the like. Any number of computer-readable media may be used. The media may be encoded with instructions which, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform the process or processes described herein. Such media may be considered articles of manufacture or machines, and may be transportable from one machine to another.

As used throughout this document, the words “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are intended to set forth certain items, steps, elements, or aspects of something in an open-ended fashion. Also, as used herein and unless a specific statement is made to the contrary, the word “set” means one or more of something. This is the case regardless of whether the phrase “set of” is followed by a singular or plural object and regardless of whether it is conjugated with a singular or plural verb. Further, ordinal expressions, such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on, may be used as adjectives herein for identification purposes. Unless specifically indicated, these ordinal expressions are not intended to imply any ordering or sequence. Thus, for example, a “second” event may take place before or after a “first event,” or even if no first event ever occurs. In addition, an identification herein of a particular element, feature, or act as being a “first” such element, feature, or act should not be construed as requiring that there must also be a “second” or other such element, feature or act. Rather, the “first” item may be the only one. Also, and unless specifically stated to the contrary, “based on” is intended to be nonexclusive. Thus, “based on” should not be interpreted as meaning “based exclusively on” but rather “based at least in part on” unless specifically indicated otherwise. Although certain embodiments are disclosed herein, it is understood that these are provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting.

Those skilled in the art will therefore understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a first computing device, data from a second computing device, the data being indicative of a location of the second computing device, the second computing device having a connection to a computer network; determining, by the first computing device, a location indicator based at least in part on the received data from the second computing device; sending, by the first computing device, a request to access a resource of the computer network, the request including the determined location indicator; and accessing, by the first computing device, the resource of the computer network in response to an authorization to access the resource, the authorization granted in response to the request and based at least in part on the determined location indicator, the location indicator received from the second computing device providing an indication of location of the first computing device for enabling access by the first computing device to the resource based at least in part on location.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second computing device shares the connection to the computer network with the first computing device, and wherein receiving the location information includes obtaining the location information from the second computing device over a local connection between the first computing device and the second computing device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second computing device is one of (i) a mobile device or (ii) a cellular dongle, and wherein, when obtaining the location information over the local connection, the first computing device is tethered to the second computing device over the local connection using one of (i) Bluetooth, (ii) Wi-Fi, or (iii) a cable.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein sending the request includes transmitting the request over the shared connection shared by the second computing device with the first computing device.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the first computing device has a second connection to the computer network separate from the shared connection, and wherein sending the access request includes transmitting the access request over the second connection.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the location information that indicates the location of the second computing device is second location information, wherein the method further comprises obtaining, by the first computing device, first location information of the first computing device, and wherein forming the location indicator is based at least in part on the first location information and the second location information.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein obtaining the first location information of the first computing device includes identifying a Wi-Fi network to which the first computing device belongs.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein obtaining the second location information of the second computing device includes receiving GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates of the second computing device.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein obtaining the second location information of the second computing device includes identifying an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the second computing device.
 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the location information that indicates the location of the second computing device is second location information, and wherein the method further comprises: obtaining, by the first computing device over the local connection, third location information that indicates the location of the second computing device, the third location information derived from a distinct source from that of the second location information, wherein forming the location indicator is based at least in part on the first location information, the second location information, and the third location information.
 11. A method, comprising: receiving, by a server, a request from a first computing device over a computer network, the request being to access a resource on the computer network and including a location indicator, the location indicator being based at least in part on data indicative of a location of a second computing device; verifying, by the server, that a location indicated by the location indicator is consistent with an authorized location in which to access the resource of the computer network based at least in part on the location indicator of the received request; and in response to the verification of the location, granting, by the server, the first computing device with access to the resource on the computer network.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the data indicative of the location of the second computing device is second location information, wherein the location indicator is further based at least in part on first location information of the first computing device, and wherein the method further comprises: establishing a representative location based at least in part on the first location information of the first computing device and the second location information of the second computing device, wherein verifying that the location indicator is consistent with the authorized location includes confirming that the representative location matches the authorized location.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the location indicator is further based at least in part on third location information of the second computing device, the third location information derived from a distinct source from that of the second location information, wherein producing the representative location information includes combining geographical locations based on at least the first location information, the second location information, and the third location information, and wherein confirming that the representative location information matches an authorized location is based at least in part on the first location information, the second location information, and the third location information.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein producing the representative location includes generating a centroid based at least in part on the first location information and the second location information, the centroid indicating a geographical center based at least in part on the first location information and the second location information.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising assigning confidence scores to the first location information and the second location information and applying the confidence scores as weights when generating the centroid.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the data indicative of the location of the second computing device is second location information, wherein the location indicator is further based at least in part on first location information of the first computing device, the first location information including a Wi-Fi identifier of a wireless network to which the first computing device is connected, and wherein the method further comprises transforming the Wi-Fi identifier into a geographic location of the first computing device.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second location information includes an IP (Internet Protocol) address of the second computing device, and wherein the method further comprises transforming the IP address into a geographic location of the second computing device.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the location information of the second computing device includes GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates of the second computing device, and wherein verifying that the location indicated by the location indicator is consistent with an authorized location includes confirming that the GPS coordinates of the second computing device match GPS coordinates of an authorized location to within a predetermined distance threshold.
 19. A server, comprising control circuitry configured to: receive a request from a first computing device over a computer network, the request being to access a resource on the computer network and including a location indicator, the location indicator based at least in part on data indicative of a location of a second computing device; verify that a location indicated by the location indicator matches an authorized location in which to access the resource of the computer network based at least in part on the location indicator of the received request; and in response to the verification of the location, grant the first computing device with accessing to the resource on the computer network.
 20. The server of claim 19, wherein the data indicative of the location of the second computing device is second location information, wherein the location indicator is further based at least in part on first location information of the first computing device, and wherein the control circuitry is further configured to combine geographical locations based on at least the first set of location information and the second set of location information to produce a representative location based at least in part on the first set of location information and the second set of location information, wherein the control circuitry configured to verify the location is further configured to confirm that that the representative location matches an authorized location.
 21. The server of claim 20, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to generate the representative location as a centroid, the centroid indicating a geographical center formed by at least the first location information and the second location information. 